The Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is a large, powerful predatory fish found in subtropical and tropical waters worldwide, prized by both commercial and recreational fishers for its size and fighting ability. This species inhabits offshore reefs and wrecks, growing up to 6 feet long and over 150 pounds. The top countries harvesting Greater Amberjack include Japan, Spain, the United States (particularly the Gulf of Mexico), Italy, and Greece. Japan leads in both wild capture and aquaculture, supplying domestic markets and exporting to other Asian countries. In the Mediterranean, Spain, Italy, and Greece are prominent due to the species' popularity in local cuisine and increasing aquaculture production. The United States, especially Florida and the Gulf Coast, supports a significant recreational fishery and some commercial harvest, with strict regulations to manage stocks. The global amberjack industry is a blend of traditional wild fishing and modern aquaculture, with sustainability concerns driving improved management practices in key producing nations.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Taiwan Province of China | 1,178 |
2 | Libya | 540 |
3 | Greece | 504 |
4 | Italy | 403 |
5 | Spain | 388 |
6 | United States of America | 351 |
7 | Tunisia | 195 |
8 | Lebanon | 85 |
9 | Bahrain | 67 |
10 | Djibouti | 59 |
11 | France | 50 |
12 | Israel | 45 |
13 | Portugal | 41 |
13 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 41 |
15 | Croatia | 35 |
16 | Syrian Arab Republic | 30 |
17 | Egypt | 23 |
18 | Montenegro | 10 |
19 | Bermuda | 9 |
19 | Albania | 9 |
21 | Cyprus | 8 |
22 | Malta | 7 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.